Mandal & Kvåsfossen Salmon Center

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an enlightening walk through Mandal’s historical district and visit a nature center that focuses solely on Atlantic salmon. One of the most prominent features of Mandal is its wooden architecture, a tribute to the fact that 75% of Norway is covered by forest. As you wander along on the city’s cobblestone streets, you can’t help but be taken by the ambiance, especially along the waterfront. Southern Norway is also known for its salmon-rich waters, and you will cross three rivers teeming with these fish on the way to the Kvåsfossen Salmon Center. Besides learning about the lifecycle of Atlantic salmon, you will watch them swimming up a fish ladder that replicates the obstacles they must overcome in nature to reach their spawning grounds upstream. Salmon have been sustainably farmed in Norway since the 1970s, when floating sea cages were first used to breed salmon in the ocean.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the white wooden buildings in Mandal while walking its cobblestone streets.
• Gain insight into the importance of salmon to Norway by visiting a national salmon center.
• See Atlantic salmon leaping up a fish ladder and learn about the lifecycle of wild salmon.
• Pass through Vigeland, the village where legendary sculptor Gustav Vigeland was born.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.